Before ascending back to heaven, Jesus prayed for unity among His disciples. Notice how Jesus prayed that would happen — by the power of His and the Father’s name. It only makes sense, then, that we call on the name of the Lord in times of conflict so we can rise above and remain united.
“I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.” (Jn. 17:11)
The Necessity of Calling on the Name of the Lord to Rise Above Conflict
In His prayer, Jesus acknowledged that He would no longer be present to keep the discipleship team in unity. He had “protected them and kept them safe” by the name given to Him (Jn. 17:12). His name held the same authority and ability to protect as that of the Father’s. Coming together in Jesus’ name gives us not only the power but also a purpose to come together in unity. We acknowledge that it isn’t just about us and our agendas but rather about Him and His will.
Jesus knew conflict would come because they would still be in the world. Earlier Jesus had given the disciples a reality check saying, “In this world you will have trouble”. They could “take heart”, nonetheless, if they remembered that Jesus has “overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). They just needed to grab hold of the power of God’s name, the name given to Jesus as well.
Referring to God as “Holy Father” must have significance because He could have simply prayed “Father” but of all God’s traits chose “holy”. If we want to rise above conflict, God’s holiness must be our standard for all that is right and good in our relationships, as well as in all we say and do. In calling upon a Holy God to help us both prevent and resolve conflict, we’re admitting that He knows best for His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts (Isa. 55:9). Conflict can’t be about who’s right or wrong but rather aligning with our Holy Father.
The Result of Dealing with Disagreements and Relational Hurts in Accordance with His Holy Name
We find forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation but that isn’t the end goal. We showcase our God who while three distinct persons is still one in their very essence but also relationally. Note how Jesus’ prayer looked for protection by the power of His name “so that they may be one as we are one” (Jn. 17:11).
Consequently, when we deal with conflict by the power of His name, we show the world around us that we can …
- love and accept each other in Jesus’ name even when we disagree.
- find unity in the midst of diversity without requiring conformity.
- forgive as He forgives us rather than letting hurts define us and hold us back.
When we allow disagreements and hurts to divide us, we’re saying to the world around us that we can only …
- love those who agree and conform with us.
- love those who never betray or hurt us in any way.
When Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Jn. 13:35), He didn’t put conditions on those we should love. If we’re going to showcase our Triune God to the world around us by a love that unifies, we need the protection of His name. Let’s call on the name of the Lord.
For More:
All Posts about Conflict Management:
- Reason Conflict Management is an Important Skill for Leaders
- Not All Conflict is Bad
- A Litmus Test for Church Conflict
- Body Life Can Prevent Conflict
- Body Life Can Resolve Conflict
- Body Life Takes Responsibility in Conflict
- Conflict Hinders Fulfillment of the Great Commission
- The Right Mindset in Conflict
- The Right Reactions in Conflict
- Power of God Needed to Rise Above in Conflict
- To Rise Above Conflict, Go Back to the Gospel
- To Rise Above Conflict, Pray with the Right Motives
- To Rise Above Conflict, Rely on God’s Grace
- To Rise Above Conflict, Pull on People’s Spiritual Gifts
- To Rise Above Conflict, Follow God’s Word
- To Rise Above Conflict, Remember Who’s the Real Enemy
- Motivation to Rise Above Conflict
- Perspective and Power to Rise Above Conflict
- To Rise Above Conflict, Call on the Name of the Lord
- To Rise Above Conflict, Walk in the Spirit
- How Leadership Roles Affect Conflict Management